Hour 1 – LeBron Making Sacrifices

Summary

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The Dan Patrick Show (Guest Hosts: Covino & Rich)

Episode: Hour 1 – LeBron Making Sacrifices
Date: February 18, 2026

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EPISODE OVERVIEW

In this fill-in episode of The Dan Patrick Show, Covino and Rich lead a spirited discussion centered on the sacrifices LeBron James says he’s made to prepare for the NBA season—namely, giving up red wine and chocolate chip cookies. The hosts riff on what foods or vices they could never surrender themselves, share humorous family anecdotes, and relate LeBron’s discipline to broader sports and life themes. The conversation naturally branches into topics of athlete longevity, the realities of making sacrifices for success, and the economics and legacy of stars like LeBron. The show radiates humor, personal storytelling, and the relaxed camaraderie Covino & Rich are known for.

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KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. LeBron’s “Very Loved” Sacrifices

[07:47, 30:18]

• LeBron James recently shared that in preparation for the current NBA season, he decided to “sacrifice” two things he loves deeply: drinking wine and eating chocolate chip cookies.
• He did this after missing the first 14 games and all of training camp, wanting to reset and do something to change his routine.
• LeBron James (played by Danny G, quoting):

  “I actually did two things that I very love, and that is drinking wine and my chocolate chip cookies. I completely took it out.” (07:56, 30:18)

• He abstained from both for the entire month of November.

Hosts’ Reactions

• The guys marvel and joke about LeBron’s phrasing: “two things I very love.”
• They discuss how hard it is to give up beloved routines—even seemingly small pleasures like cookies.
• Rich Eisen:

  “Giving up alcohol... makes such a difference, bro... I lost 20 pounds this past year... I did nothing but give up alcohol.” (08:42)

• They debate which is harder to sacrifice and launch into nostalgia about their own favorite cookies (Linden’s, Otis Spunkmeyer, Subway cookies, Doubletree hotel cookies).

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2. Personal Sacrifices: The Foods and Vices We Won’t Relinquish

[10:14, 14:21, 15:54, 16:57, 19:11]

• The conversation expands: what’s the one thing you could never give up, even for your own health or a pro career?
• Covino and Rich nominate pizza and tacos as foods too dear—to the point they’d rather exercise more than give them up.
• The hosts reflect on regional differences (East Coast pizza pride) and family influences (Uncle Joe, who “will never give up pizza” and runs on the treadmill just to keep eating it).
• Covino:

  “I’ll never give up pizza. I won’t eat it every day, but I’ll never give it up.” (11:02)

• Rich readily admits his “non-negotiable” is sweet, fancy Starbucks coffee—even if it costs hundreds a month during health kicks.

Snack Weaknesses & “The Munchies”

[15:54 – 21:51]

• They talk about irresistible snacks: salt & vinegar chips (Covino calls them “dangerous”), chocolate chip cookies, late-night pantry raids, and the unique agony of eating a child’s or spouse’s reserved treat.
• Rich Eisen (riffing on cravings):

  “There are times where I do that thing...I’ll go and grab like five or six chips 20 different times...who am I kidding?” (20:19)

• The hosts find humor and camaraderie in these confessions, likening snack avoidance to “flirting” with danger.

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3. LeBron’s Legacy & The Case for Further Sacrifice

[33:46 – 39:25]

• The hosts dive into LeBron’s rumored openness to staying with the Lakers for a “farewell tour,” and the murky waters of NBA rumors and contract restructuring.
• Covino wonders: Could LeBron sacrifice salary—given his billionaire status—for a shot at more championships and legacy, like Tom Brady did with NFL contracts?
• Covino:

  “If LeBron James really wanted to go out on top ... the guy is a billionaire ... You don’t think LeBron could be like, yo, what if I took the league minimum. And we added another huge piece and I go out a champion?” (36:15)

• Danny G responds realistically:

  “But it ain’t gonna happen. He and his agent aren’t gonna do this. The simple reason is LeBron has been stacking these millions...to own an NBA team.” (36:30)

Legacy Talk

• They discuss what another title (“number five”) would mean for LeBron’s brand, his motivation, and long-term holdings (ownership, endorsements).
• Covino:

  “There’s just so much value of him walking away a winner, or even on a really winning team.” (39:25)

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4. Why Athletes Get “Thick” After Retirement

[23:28 – 25:24]

• The guys touch on how, without the daily calorie burn of pro sports, many retired superstars get out of shape fast—and how adjusting eating habits with age is a universal challenge.
• Covino:

  “A lot of your favorite retired superstars become thick...When you are a specimen…you’re allowed to eat trash because you’re burning so many calories...” (23:28)

• Rich Eisen:

  “You can’t eat in your 30s or 40s, 50s, the same way you did in your 20s. You just can’t.” (24:15)

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5. Listener Interaction & Humor Breaks

[41:01 – 43:14]

• A caller, Mark from Orlando, shares his Detroit sports loyalty, prompting a quick but enthusiastic look at the current state of Detroit’s teams.
• The trio banter about “things you’ll never give up,” playfully jab at each other’s weaknesses, and display a knack for lively, relatable, and snack-fueled sports radio.

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MEMORABLE QUOTES & MOMENTS

• LeBron (via Danny G, 07:56):

  “I got to sacrifice something, and actually did two things that I very love, and that is drinking wine and my chocolate chip cookies for dessert. I completely took it out.”

• Rich Eisen (08:42, on giving up alcohol):

  “It makes such a difference, bro. Such a difference. I lost 20 pounds this past year. You know how? I did nothing but give up alcohol.”

• Covino (11:02):

  “I’ll never give up pizza. I won’t eat it every day, but I’ll never give it up.”

• Rich Eisen (15:26, on snacks):

  “My dad...he gave up late night boozing, right? But you know what he does now? Pints of ice cream every night. And then it’ll be like, yeah, I gave up ice cream...then you see him binging on Fig Newton’s.”

• Covino (36:15, on LeBron taking less money):

  “You don’t think LeBron could be like, yo, what if I took the league minimum. And we added another huge piece and I go out a champion. Isn’t there more value in that?”

• Danny G (36:30):

  “Yeah, but it ain’t gonna happen. He and his agent aren’t gonna do this...his end game: to own a team, and probably in Vegas.”

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TIMESTAMPS FOR IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |---------------|------------------------| | 07:47–09:08 | LeBron’s sacrifices: audio & reactions | | 10:14–12:15 | What would you never give up? Pizza, cookies, other vices | | 14:13-14:41 | Cookie nostalgia: the best chocolate chip cookies | | 15:54-21:51 | Snack habits, late-night cravings, family stories | | 23:28-25:24 | Athletes after retirement: eating habits & body changes | | 33:46-39:25 | LeBron’s contract, legacy, and the “take less money” debate | | 41:01-43:14 | Caller discussion: Detroit sports talk | | 43:14+ | Wrap up, more banter, tease for next segments (MLB, NFL) |

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TONE & STYLE

The episode maintains a laid-back, comedic, and conversational tone, with Covino & Rich riffing off each other, sharing self-deprecating stories, and seamlessly blending food, sports, and lifestyle banter. The original voices’ playful teasing and authentic vulnerability give listeners a sense of camaraderie and relatability—cementing why audience engagement remains high, even when Dan Patrick is off.

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SUMMARY TAKEAWAY

LeBron’s willingness to give up “two things I very love” (wine and chocolate chip cookies) becomes the relatable jumping-off point for a spirited debate on sacrifice, indulgence, and what truly matters—both in sports and life. Through humor, nostalgia, and honest reflection, Covino and Rich celebrate the everyday joys that flavor our routines, even while recognizing the disciplined sacrifices greatness sometimes demands. The episode is a reminder that even legends like LeBron have their culinary kryptonite…and that for most of us, there are some things in life we’ll never truly give up.

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Transcript

[Narrator/Promoter]

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[Rich Eisen]

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[Mandy B]

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[Narrator/Promoter]

What if mind control is real?

[Rich Eisen]

If you could control the behavior of anybody around you, what kind of life would you have?

[Narrator/Promoter]

Can you hypnotically persuade someone to buy a car?

[Danny G]

When you look at your car, you're gonna become overwhelmed with such good feelings.

[Narrator/Promoter]

Can you hypnotize someone into sleeping with you?

[Covino]

I gave her some suggestions to be sexually aroused.

[Narrator/Promoter]

Can you get someone to join your cult? NLP was used on me to access my subconsc Mind Games, a new podcast exploring nlp AKA Neuro Linguistic Programming. Is it a self help miracle, a shady hypnosis scam, or both? Listen to Mind Games on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Rich Eisen]

I'm Bowen Yang.

[Covino]

And I'm Matt Rogers.

[Rich Eisen]

During this season of the Two Five Rings podcast in the lead up to the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, we've been joined by some of our friends.

[Covino]

Hi Bud. Hi Matt. Hey Elmo.

[Rich Eisen]

Hey Matt.

[Danny G]

Hey Bowen.

[Rich Eisen]

Hi Cookie. Hi.

[Covino]

Now the Winter Olympic Games are underway and we are in Italy to give you experiences from our hearts to your ears. Listen to Two Guys Five Rings on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Rich Eisen]

You are listening to the Dan Patrick show on Fox Sports Radio. Yo.

[Covino]

Day three of the Dan Patrick.

[Rich Eisen]

Patrick, as you coined this, day three. So for some of you waiting to hear Dan Patrick, you get him? I think manana.

[Covino]

No, you don't. Next week. Oh, really?

[Rich Eisen]

We just got three days.

[Covino]

Oh, you want all five next time?

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah, next time. Let's give me all five shows. Let's do this. So we're only here today and back to our regular schedule tomorrow. So we're normally on 5 to 7 on the east, 2 to 4 on the west. We are Covino and Rich in for Dan Patrick. Everything at Covino and Rich at Fox Sports Radio. And of course, super producer Danny G's on the phones at 87799 on Fox Iowa. Sam's on the xylophone. Yeah. Thank you, guys. Hope you had a great Tuesday night. Hope you enjoyed some tacos. Speaking of taco Tuesday, we're going to talk LeBron James, Tony Clark aggravating MLB, some NFL, some fighting, some collectibles and more. We have an extra hour when we film for dp, so hopefully we fit everything in. If not, we have a bonus podcast called over promised which you could watch at covino enrich FSR on YouTube. Covino enrich FSR on YouTube and streaming live. So join us and join the live chat.

[Covino]

Nice. And I was, sam, are you gonna be doing midweek major today where we go over all the the headlines of sports and entertainment or what?

[Rich Eisen]

I will be unless you guys ravage all of the stories that I've prepared.

[Covino]

But I plan on doing.

[Rich Eisen]

I feel like you are going to do that. I'm gonna steal everything you've prepared r for doing that. Thievery blubber lips Davis steals all the headlines plundering my stories.

[Covino]

You said hopefully you had a good taco Tuesday. So we did do tacos last night. And, like, my kids are such a pain in the ass. I'm sure I'm the only one, right? No one else's kids are a pain in the ass.

[Rich Eisen]

Kids are rotten. I've said that always.

[Covino]

I love coaching. I love being a dad. It's my favorite thing. But there are times where, like yesterday my daughter was trying to tell me that, like, a chicken taco.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah.

[Covino]

Was gross. And no one likes them.

[Rich Eisen]

Wow.

[Covino]

And I'm like, just try it. You can like it. She's like, yeah, if your kids are like mine. There are times where I'm like, is the only thing you want to eat? I'm wearing cheese or nuggies.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah, but you've lived in Los Angeles all this time. She's 8 years old. She's never had a chicken taco. She loves tacos.

[Covino]

But last night she was doing the hell like chicken tacos.

[Rich Eisen]

And I'm like, oh, that makes the story even worse. So she's had them before?

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich Eisen]

Just all of a sudden, they're gross and nobody likes.

[Covino]

I'm like, all right, chick, you like chicken, right, kiddo? Yeah, dad, I love chicken. All right. You like cheese? Who doesn't like cheese? You're not lactose or anything. You like tortillas? Yep. Here's a chicken taco. It's gross.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah, that's typical.

[Covino]

Kids are pain.

[Rich Eisen]

I'll give you another typical story when I tell you I do everything for my pain in the ass teenage daughter. I am mom, I'm dad, I'm everything. I'm her lifeline. Okay, Me, this morning, I feel bad for her. This morning I walked out the house and I realized I didn't have my car keys on me and that my girlfriend used my car yesterday. Didn't put my keys back in the bag. I thought they were in my bag in my man purse. I thought my keys were in my man purse.

[Covino]

Your satchel.

[Rich Eisen]

Your fanny satchel. Stuck there outside my door, which locks automatically behind me. And I'm banging on the door like Fred Flintstone, like, someone's got to let me in or I'm gonna be late for Dan Patrick.

[Covino]

Hello?

[Rich Eisen]

Dude, no one's waking up, right? I'm calling my girlfriend, like, hey. I'm waiting for her to answer, like, you didn't put my keys back. I left without my keys. I gotta get to work. She's not answering. Nobody's answering. So I do the unthinkable. I call my pain in the ass teenage daughter, and I risk waking up this demon and this nightmare of a person in the morning.

[Covino]

You tiptoe around your family too much and, dude, I'd be like, wake up, you're 16.

[Rich Eisen]

You gotta hear the attitude. I like, never ask for any favor at all from my kid. She was huffing and puffing out of bed. Like, she gave me the fine. She gave me the attitude, the eye roll, everything just to open the door so I can grab my keys and leave. So barely got here. If no one would have answered the door because I was sitting there like an idiot, I would have just been outside your place in the Rich show on for Dan Patrick. But anyway, we got one foot in dad life. Exactly. One foot in dad life. One foot up your ass every day here on Fox Sports Radio, Covino and Rich. And we might as well get into it, we mentioned LeBron, Taco Tuesdays, all that good stuff. Well, tacos aren't his only vice, I guess. And everybody has their thing. Everybody binges on something. And apparently he gave up two things. Not for Lent. Rich was like, was it for Lent? No, he thought, that's coming up, right?

[Covino]

Or something. Well, today's Ash Wednesday, not Ash Wednesday.

[Rich Eisen]

I mean, it could be, depending on how you play your cards.

[Covino]

Take a look around today.

[Rich Eisen]

So he gave up two things to prepare for this season. His hairline's not one of them. No bad jokes. Leave them for me.

[Covino]

Oh, did he, did he say he was going to actually get on to page two of books he's reading?

[Rich Eisen]

Yes. He's going to move on. No, he gave up two things. Two things he very loves. Take a listen.

[Danny G]

True story to when I stopped drinking.

[Rich Eisen]

Okay.

[Danny G]

So I wasn't playing as obviously as the season started.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah.

[Danny G]

You know, so I needed to give up something.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah.

[Danny G]

I got to sacrifice something and actually did two things that I very love, and that is drinking wine and my chocolate chip cookies for dessert. I completely took it out. So I was like, okay, I wasn't playing. I missed, obviously. I'm well documented. Missed the first 14 games of the season. It wasn't playing in November. Missed all the training camp, everything. So I was like, all right, I gotta do. I gotta take something out. I gotta sacrifice something, you know, and for the whole month of November, like I'm gonna do no desserts and no.

[Rich Eisen]

Wine, no liquor, no nothing for the whole my sacrifice. Two things come to mind. Everything's better with Covino.

[Covino]

What do you say? Two things I very love.

[Rich Eisen]

Two things I very love.

[Danny G]

Very, very loved.

[Rich Eisen]

Chocolate chip cookies and wine to prepare for this season. And so many things come to mind. Giving up alcohol, as tough as it could be, if you like it socially or to relax or maybe you got a problem. It's a tough thing to do, but it makes such a difference, bro. Such a difference. I lost 20 pounds this past year. You know how I did nothing but give up alcohol?

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich Eisen]

For no real reason. I was just like, you know what, let me see if I can. It makes a big difference.

[Covino]

By the way, giving up alcohol seems like a non negotiable when I was like in my 20s or 30s. In your 40s. When you realize how the hangovers are worse.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah.

[Covino]

How you are, you feel like ass the day after. Like if you're drinking on a Sunday, watching football that next Monday you're like, oh.

[Rich Eisen]

So I just started seeing myself in pictures. I'M like, what's going on? So big difference. It really did not crazy.

[Covino]

And then you realize, not to sound irresponsible, but if you're not even getting a buzz, it really is just like empty calories. If you don't have enough cocktails to get a nice little buzz going, then you're almost like, why did I have those two drinks?

[Rich Eisen]

Well, if you're at the gym. Right. It's very counterproductive. You're trying to stay healthy. You're trying to shed some pounds. Yeah. Or trying to get in shape for a basketball season. Yeah. It's not going to do anything productive for you. So, I mean, good move there. I find the chocolate chip cookie thing to be pretty tough. And it makes me think of things. You'll never sacrifice, Rich. Ever.

[Covino]

What's up, Danny G. Caitlin Clark.

[Danny G]

I owe Sam. Be excited about this. She chimed in on this topic. She said, I'd rather retire than do this.

[Covino]

That's why he's him, you know, Cavino's Uncle Joe, as they call him. Hollywood Joe. But he's never left New Jersey.

[Rich Eisen]

Well, that was going to be my example. You can't steal my uncle's example. Get your own uncle's example.

[Covino]

My Uncle Bartlett, he gave up.

[Rich Eisen]

No, but you know what? It's always. I mentioned this to Rich, and I think it's in both of our heads because we grew up in New Jersey and New York. Right. East Coast. And I think both of us have stolen the page of my Uncle Joe. So my example.

[Covino]

My example, never. It's my uncle who's never left the town.

[Rich Eisen]

Never give it up. Pizza. You know, I'm gonna tell him you said that.

[Covino]

Good.

[Rich Eisen]

He'll never use his example again.

[Covino]

Okay.

[Rich Eisen]

Never leaves the town. That's funny.

[Covino]

Because it's true.

[Rich Eisen]

Because it's true. But that's wrong to say on national radio. He says he'll hit the trigger, come.

[Covino]

Out here and punch me.

[Rich Eisen]

He says he'll never give up pizza. In fact, he says he'll hit the treadmill every day until he dies in order to not ever give up pizza. And when you grow up with delicious pizza like we did, it makes a lot of sense. I'll never give up pizza. I won't eat it every day, but I'll never give it up. And when I say I stopped drinking, too, for the record, like, I'll still have a drink socially, here and there, like, I'm not going to not have a drink. I. I didn't go. Never, ever. But I don't have Them the way I did. Like Thursday, Friday would hit, depending on when the weekend would start for me. Yeah. And I'd have maybe two a night. I don't do that anymore. Unless we're going out or whatever. Right. So what are those things you would never give up? Because I'll tell you what I'd give up. Wine before chocolate chip cookies. And, dude, let me throw out a shout out the best chocolate chip cookie. It might be your high school cookie. When you think back to your high.

[Covino]

School lunch, Are you gonna shout out Otis Spunkmeyer?

[Rich Eisen]

It might be your Otis Funkmeyer.

[Covino]

Are you gonna shout out.

[Rich Eisen]

It might be Linden's. You know those crunchy Linden three packs. Oh, yeah, that's what I thought.

[Covino]

That's what I thought you were gonna shout out. That was like a Danny G on the West Coast. Is that a lunchroom favorite, too? Like that three pack of chocolate chip cookies.

[Danny G]

Oh, we had that here. Yeah, I remember.

[Rich Eisen]

Me and my high school friends, we called them Libby's because one of my stoner friends thought they were Libby's. Fernando, for years, just. He was like, I got my Libby's, bro.

[Covino]

What are you talking about?

[Rich Eisen]

You mean Linden's, you dumb ass.

[Danny G]

By the way, Rich. Rich mentioned Lent, kind of. But it does start today and it runs through April 2nd.

[Covino]

Yeah. So what?

[Rich Eisen]

Yesterday was Fat Tuesday.

[Covino]

What do we give?

[Rich Eisen]

I know. I was very prepared for that. If you look at the video from.

[Covino]

Yesterday, I had my daughter's tacos and my tacos.

[Rich Eisen]

I was extra good, though, yesterday. Yeah, Chocolate chip cookies, my favorite. I cannot resist. Sometimes I'll pull in like a slob just for the cookie. And that's Subway soggy cookies. I love me some Subway sandwiches. Soggy chocolate chip cookies.

[Covino]

Man, when you talk about the best cookies, I know for a fact that, correct me if I'm wrong, what hotel chain is it that has warm cookies at any time? We ever stay at a Doubletree on a business trip or any whatever.

[Rich Eisen]

Every time we stayed at ESPN Bristol, we were right there. They would give us those cookies.

[Covino]

Whatever hotel chain. I know it's double treat, but I think it's more than them. If they. If someone gives out warm chocolate chip cookies, that's them.

[Rich Eisen]

That's their thing.

[Covino]

You don't even need to be hungry.

[Rich Eisen]

You don't even need to stay there to go in there and get one.

[Covino]

It's like Covino, who goes to the car dealership to get snacks.

[Rich Eisen]

By the way, a lot of people don't know this, but, yes, I do do that. And yes, you.

[Covino]

He's like Larry David, who goes to.

[Rich Eisen]

You stay at a Doubletree. They hook you up with warm fresh. They have a little stove, like, behind the counter.

[Danny G]

It is Doubletree by Hilton.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah. They are famous for their cookies influencers. They make a big deal of taste testing their cookies because they're next level dope.

[Covino]

You remember when Larry David on Curb would go to the BMW dealership just for the licorice?

[Rich Eisen]

Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So based on LeBron, what are things you'll never give up no matter what?

[Covino]

No matter what?

[Rich Eisen]

No matter what. Because I thought, I wonder if there's a loophole here. Because he says specifically chocolate chip cookies, does that mean he's rocking some girl scouts? Does that mean he's rocking some peanut butter cookies?

[Covino]

It's probably just his crutch. Probably late night LeBron, who's a physical specimen, was probably like, all right, even I, LeBron James will have a glass of red wine and a sleeve of chocolate chip cookies. But he's like, not now.

[Rich Eisen]

Not anymore. People like that, that have routines or they binge on stuff. Like, my dad's a great example, right? Big Steve Cavino.

[Covino]

Hey, what's up? Hey, what's up, turkey?

[Rich Eisen]

Hey, what's up, dad? Hey, what's up, fool?

[Covino]

Your dad's got, like, great 70s jive.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah. Hey, what's cooking? Like, my dad. I'll come home.

[Covino]

Hey, you want some pizza?

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah, dad order pizza. But every time I come home, I feel like dad's binging on something else. So he'd be like, yeah, I gave up. Fill in the blank. Yeah, he gave up late night boozing, right? But you know what he does now? Pints of ice cream every. Buy the Pinterest every night. And I don't blame him because if I'm gonna have a fight, I mean, the whole thing.

[Covino]

Ben, Jerry and Steve. Now, I'll check.

[Rich Eisen]

I'll check the serving size, just, I don't know, for fun. But then I'll finish the whole thing. Anything anyway. But like, my dad will say, like. And then it'll be like, yeah, I gave up ice cream. Like, good dad. And then you see him binging on Fig Newton's, right? So it'll always be something else. Yeah. So what will you never Compromise? Based on LeBron James, who I do commend him. He gave up two of his favorite things. Chocolate chip cookies and. And the old vino to pre.

[Covino]

This is like a two pronged question where it's like, what would you never give up? And what is that thing that you know, is destructive. Meaning, like, you have one or two of them. To me, late night kids are sleeping and I get the munchies or something. If I see a bag of salt and vinegar potato chips, I know that if I open that bag, I don't. I don't want to open the bag because I know if I do, it's sort of over.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah. You start thinking things. Remember how you used to flirt with girls in the early 2000s? Like, oh, you're dangerous. What do you mean?

[Covino]

Yeah, that was a great move.

[Rich Eisen]

You're just dangerous. What does that mean? Stay away. Yeah.

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich Eisen]

What do you mean I'm dangerous? You just are.

[Danny G]

He's like the cheeseball soccer player on Love is blind.

[Covino]

Yeah, exactly like that.

[Rich Eisen]

That's what made me think of it.

[Danny G]

Stop giving me eye contact. You're dangerous.

[Rich Eisen]

That's how I feel looking at a bag of salt and vinegar potato chips. And the bag's like, what do you mean? I'm like, you're dangerous. Just get out of my face.

[Covino]

I'm taking. You should probably keep your distance.

[Rich Eisen]

Seriously, like, don't even. Like, don't even look at me. What do you mean you're dangerous, man.

[Covino]

So, yeah, that's one of those things where I'm like, just stay away. But I'll tell you one thing I'll never give up. One thing I'll never give up. And I'm having it right now. I'm a coffee snob, and I like a cold brew from Starbucks. And I'm okay knowing that the vanilla sweet cream, it's not a ton of, but sugary coffees. Even when I'm on, like, a mission, even when I'm eating grilled chicken and fish and rice and veggies, and even on those weeks where I'm like, you know what I'm gonna do, like a juice cleanse, I still will sneak in a few sugary coffees. It's non negotiable for me, unless my doctor.

[Rich Eisen]

What if you have to free up cap space like the Chiefs? What if you have to make some sacrifice you're not willing to cut out? It's think, do the math. That's six bucks times seven. I don't sacrifice some gaps.

[Covino]

I don't do it every day. But I will say, though, even when I'm on, like, a health mission, like, hey, I'm going on vacation, and, yeah, I want to look good for my wife. I'm gonna try to trim up. We're going to Mexico in March.

[Rich Eisen]

And by the way, Rich loves His coffee. No, he likes his sugar and cream with coffee.

[Covino]

I do like the.

[Rich Eisen]

He likes the sugar with coffee and cream.

[Covino]

I get the.

[Rich Eisen]

His thing is so sweet.

[Danny G]

Look at that.

[Covino]

I get the vanilla sweet cream. Cold brew. It's a cold brew and it just has. They top it off, that sweet cream. And I'm okay with. I know it's not good for me. I know guys like you would say, have your coffee black, like a man. Have your coffee. Get out of here. This is my treat.

[Rich Eisen]

42 bucks.

[Covino]

Never give it enough.

[Rich Eisen]

42 bucks a week times four. 168 bucks a month you're spending on starbies for yourself. Not counting the cake pops for your little nose picking kids. Rich is already 100. Yeah, not counting what you get for your wife on your way back home. And that's a lie too, because they'll have two a day. Sometimes I see it myself. Sugar. So put that perspective. Must be nice to be Rich Davis to be able to spend 168 plus on coffee. Must be nice, says the guy. Must be nice.

[Covino]

Says the guy who I feel like wears a brand new Yankee hat every day.

[Rich Eisen]

That's right.

[Covino]

You got a problem.

[Rich Eisen]

I'll never give it up.

[Covino]

Dude, you got problems ever.

[Rich Eisen]

I'll never give it up.

[Covino]

So one of those things you'll never give up. LeBron. If you missed the beginning of the show 10 minutes ago, welcome Cavito and Rich.

[Rich Eisen]

You know you'll never give up. It starts with what your daughter was talking about. Tacos. Who in the world. You think there's a Mexican on earth or anybody on earth that says, you know what, For Lent, for anything. You know what? Giving up tacos never happened, never will. Well, that's why Mexicans don't have abs. I know, it's tacos too. I know it's your story, but you.

[Covino]

Did mention your, you know, your Uncle Joe.

[Rich Eisen]

If I go, he hits the treadmill every day, I swear to God, just so he could eat pizza.

[Covino]

Well, even when it's like trash pizza. If I met one of my kids friends birthday parties, you know, my kids are young, so I'm in the mode where I still gotta go to the birthday party and hang. If they break out pizza, like little Dylan's birthday party, it could be trash pizza. And they're like, hey, parents, help yourself. And I'm like, it's like Domino's or Papa John's. It's not even good pizza. No, I'm good. Then I'm like, I can have a little piece of. And like Then like four slices later, I'm like, what am I doing? I don't think I could ever, yeah.

[Rich Eisen]

You know, give up pizza. Four of your uncle slices are really just two regular slices.

[Covino]

Dude, I'm the king of going back.

[Rich Eisen]

Into the pantry, which is the king of. Ah, nah, I can't.

[Covino]

But I must. I am the king of going back into the pantry late night. And sometimes it's. Sometimes it's just straight up. Sometimes it's after an edible. It doesn't matter. I mean, there are times where I do that thing. It's the equivalent of like having mini slice of pizza one after the other. And you're like, dude, just take the pizza. I'll go and grab like five or six chips 20 different times. And I'm like, why don't I what? Who am I kidding?

[Rich Eisen]

Take the dirt bag. Biggest dirt bag move is. And you mentioned munchies, not me. You mentioned edibles. Is when you have a hankering for something. I'm just saying, a hankering. I'm not even throwing edibles in here. Just a hankering. And you open that pantry because something's calling your name inside. And you open it again and again and again and it's like the eighth time you opened it. Yeah.

[Covino]

And nothing new is going to appear, by the way.

[Rich Eisen]

I've learned that. And you ravage like one of your kids treats or even worse, like your wife's and she was waiting for it. And then you feel like the fat slob of the house who ate their little treat.

[Covino]

Where's the Samoas? I don't know where they went. Who ate all the gushers?

[Rich Eisen]

Oh my God. Yeah. Or your kids, God forbid, because they'll have a freak out. Or if they were saving it for later and you're the slob that ate it. Oh, what do you mean? You got gushers stuck on your nose?

[Covino]

Babe, I'm packing the kids lunch. Where's the Fruit Roll ups?

[Rich Eisen]

I don't know. That's. By the way, that's the most pathetic. You don't have snacks for their lunchbox because you were a fat slob the night before.

[Covino]

Babe, where's the Cheez its? Beats me. I don't.

[Rich Eisen]

So again, get some control of yourself. But things you'll never give up or sacrifice. I want you to call in. I want you to chime in. But it's something to think about too. Just a reason to hit the gym. Because you know what? I'll never sacrifice this. I'll hit the gym so that I don't Ever have to sacrifice it because LeBron gave up cookies and wine. And you know what? I commend them for it. Because if that's his thing, like, you know, we only have so many joys in life. Let him enjoy his cookies and wine.

[Covino]

I mean, he's LeBron.

[Rich Eisen]

I think he's earned it.

[Covino]

The reality is, yes, you want to live a nice, long, healthy life, but is it, Is it a happy, long, healthy life? If you say, I'm never having cookies again, imagine you're like, for the rest of my life, no cookies. What a lame ass existence.

[Rich Eisen]

By the way, Sam, if you really read between the lines, I think we found your way to Caitlin Clark's Corazon. Your way to her heart eventually. Some cookies, man. Some Girl Scouts, some Samoas. What were those new ones called?

[Covino]

Mints. The Explore Mores.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah. Some Explore More is maybe Sam, send her a box. Apparently she can't resist.

[Danny G]

You'd like to explore more.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah, you would. She said she'd never give up her cookies.

[Danny G]

Speak on my.

[Rich Eisen]

Don't speak about Kaitlyn that way. Also, chocolate chip cookies and red wine separate, very good.

[Covino]

Together.

[Rich Eisen]

I didn't say necessarily together.

[Covino]

Is he dipping them?

[Rich Eisen]

I don't see those two flavors matching. Very meshing very well. So two things I very love together. Dipping chocolate chip cookies into my wine.

[Covino]

Nobody said two things. Two things I very love.

[Rich Eisen]

He didn't say together, though.

[Covino]

You know what? That is why I don't know if you've noticed this. I'm sure you have. A lot of your favorite retired superstars become thick. They become a little chubby. Because when you are a specimen and you're playing professional sports every day and you're training and you're on the ball field or you're on the court, you're at a combine, you're doing all these things you're allowed to eat. Like the Floyd Mayweather, Michael Phelps theory. You're allowed to eat trash because you're burning so many calories in your machine. That's why you see a lot of athletes retire and they. And you know, a lot of they could go one of two ways. Sometimes retired athletes get chiseled because they're just cut from that cloth like discipline. Other guys just become, you know, it's.

[Rich Eisen]

A matter of they got bellies playing and you're less disciplined than you used to be. And it's also a matter of you're just getting older. Like, yeah, you can't eat in your 30s or 40s, 50s, the same way you did in your 20s. You just can't. And some people never make that adjustment, never make that change. Start packing the pounds.

[Covino]

You ever see some kid, dude, my.

[Rich Eisen]

Brother still eats like he's 20 something. He's getting thick.

[Covino]

You ever see some 20 something year old, you'll be in New York city or like 6th street in Austin or Bourbon street in New Orleans and all these young 20 somethings are having pizza and like sliders at like 2am and you're like, yeah, you can't do that forever, dope.

[Rich Eisen]

I'm like, hey, bro, my brother's in his 30s now, right? And like, hey, maybe, maybe you don't need all those curly fries with your giant chicken parm sandwich.

[Covino]

And by the way, Tommy, it's. It's 1:00am I don't think we need. Do we need to order chicken parm.

[Rich Eisen]

At 1am Eating like a slot? Maybe you don't need all that Fat Darrell in your life. You know that ridiculous sandwich with all the fixings at 2am in your third cells. Yeah, they're like fat salads. Yeah, yeah. They're called Fat Darrells. They started in New Jersey. They're like sandwiches with chicken fingers.

[Covino]

Yeah, because that's what you need. Mozzarella sticks on your sandwich.

[Rich Eisen]

You could eat that in your 20s. So anyway, what LeBron is doing is smart. And how about this for tie in? It is National Drink Wine day, and.

[Covino]

It'S also day one of Lent, like Iowa Sam said. So what do you give up? LeBron said, for him, when he needs to give something up, it's cookies and wine. We'll take your feedback. We'll talk some baseball. There's some baseball news. Yo, Tony Clark, what does he think? He's above the law? We'll get to some MLB stuff, some football news in the world of the Kansas City Chiefs, all coming up right here on CNR.

[Rich Eisen]

Remember, we're streaming live Covino and rich FSR on YouTube. Be sure to catch the live edition of the Dan Patrick show, weekdays at 9am Eastern, 6am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio and the iHeartRadio Apple. Fox Sports Radio is taking over YouTube and you can be a part of it. Pay attention. Just go to YouTube and search Fox Sports Radio. Hit that subscribe button and smash that notification bell and catch all the videos from your favorite shows. Two pros and a cup of Joe. Dan Patrick, Colin Cowherd, Doug Gottlieb, Covino and Rich the Odd Couple with Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington, the Jason Smith show with Mike Harmon and the Ben Maller Show. Fox sports radio on YouTube subscribe, hit that thumbs up icon and comment away.

[Covino]

This month, iHeartRadio is celebrating the stars of the 2026 Winter Games. Ocala, Florida might seem like an unlikely home for a Winter Olympian, but Erin Jackson is a sprinter in a league of her own. After making history as the first black woman to win an individual Winter Olympic gold medal, she returns to the ice faster than ever. A former inline skater, she dominates the 500 meters sprint with explosive power and arrives in Italy to defend her crown. For more Winter Games gold Search olympics.

[Rich Eisen]

On the iHeartRadio app.

[Narrator/Promoter]

What if mind control is real?

[Rich Eisen]

If you could control the behavior of anybody around you, what kind of life would you have?

[Narrator/Promoter]

Can you hypnotically persuade someone to buy a car?

[Danny G]

When you look at your car, you're gonna become overwhelmed with such good feelings.

[Narrator/Promoter]

Can you hypnotize someone into sleeping with you?

[Covino]

I gave her some suggestions to be sexually aroused.

[Narrator/Promoter]

Can you get someone to join your cult? NLP was used on me to access my subconscious. Nlp, AKA Neuro Linguistic programming, is a blend of hypnosis, linguistics and psychology. Fans say it's like finally getting a user manual for your brain.

[Covino]

It's about engineering consciousness.

[Narrator/Promoter]

Mind Games is the story of nlp, its crazy cast of disciples, and the fake doctor who invented it at a New Age commune and sold it to guys in suits. He stood trial for murder and got acquitted. The biggest mind game of all, nlp, might actually work. This is wild. Listen to Mind Games on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Rich Eisen]

I'm Bowen Yang.

[Covino]

And I'm Matt Rogers.

[Rich Eisen]

During this season of the 2.5rings podcast, in the lead up to the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, we've been joined by some of our friends.

[Covino]

Hi, Bowen. Hi, Matt. Hey, Elmo.

[Rich Eisen]

Hey, Matt. Hey, Bowen. Hi, Cookie. Hi.

[Covino]

Now the Winter Olympic Games are underway and we are in Italy to give you experiences from our hearts to your ears. Listen to Two Guys, Five Rings on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. China's Ministry of State Security is one.

[Rich Eisen]

Of the most mysterious and powerful spy agencies in the world. But in the FBI got inside.

[Covino]

This is Special Agent Regal, Special Agent Bradley Hall.

[Rich Eisen]

This MSS officer has no idea the US Government is onto him. But the FBI has his chats, texts, emails, even his personal diary. Hear how they got it on the Sixth Bureau podcast.

[Covino]

I now have several terabytes of an MSS officer. No doubt, no question of his life. And that's A unicorn.

[Rich Eisen]

No one had ever seen anything like that. It was unbelievable.

[Covino]

This is a story of the inner workings of the MSS and how one.

[Rich Eisen]

Man'S ambition and mistakes opened its vault of secrets. Listen to the 6th Bureau on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey everyone, it's Emily Simpson and Shane Simpson from the Legally Brunette podcast. Each week we're bringing you true crime through a legal lens. Whether you want all the facts on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie or you.

[Narrator/Promoter]

Still need to wrap your head around.

[Rich Eisen]

The Diddy verdict, we're breaking it all down step by step. And we're not just lawyers, we're also husband and wife. It makes for some pretty entertaining episodes. Listen to Legally brunette on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Danny G]

It's true story to when I stopped drinking. Okay, so I wasn't playing as obviously as the season started. Yeah, you know, so I needed to give up something. I gotta sacrifice something. And I actually did two things that I very love, and that is drinking wine and my chocolate chip cookies.

[Covino]

Oh, there it is. Wine and chocolate chip cookies. Two things LeBron will never give up.

[Rich Eisen]

Wait, is that what Rick Astley was singing about? Yeah.

[Covino]

Never gonna give.

[Rich Eisen]

I didn't know that. Hey, we're Covino and Rich in for Dan Patrick with super producer Danny G. And Iowa Sam. And if you like our show. Well, first off, thank you, I appreciate it. You got great taste. Don't ever give it up. We're on Monday through Friday, 5 to 7 on the east, 2 to 4 on the west. So shout out to the affiliates and if you don't air us, please do. We'll come and broadcast in your city. We can all be friends and let's do that. And yeah, hit up the podcast and catch us live on YouTube now or later at Covino Enrich FSR. And our bonus podcast is there over promised. Hey, Covino Rich fsr.

[Covino]

If you don't carry us, well, screw you. Who needs you? I'm sorry.

[Rich Eisen]

I'm sorry, baby.

[Covino]

I love you.

[Rich Eisen]

We are live from the Fox Sports Radio studio here in the mean streets of La Vato Loco.

[Covino]

You gonna talk to me about the hottest rookies, the biggest superstars and all time greats. The only place to collect all with the Dan Patrick show, the Panini trading cards. Panini, the official trading card of the Dan Patrick show. For instant classics, autograph cards, memorabilia cards, rare inserts and more. Start or continue your collection [e-mail].

[Rich Eisen]

That should be the tagline.

[Covino]

As a big Mike who runs this place, the guy that runs Fox Sports.

[Rich Eisen]

Mike who runs this place.

[Covino]

He also said, I would never give up chocolate chip cookies. And he then said something that I was like, what? He goes, the chocolate chip needs to be the star.

[Rich Eisen]

Chocolate chip needs to be the star.

[Covino]

He said, it's all about the chip. Because I said, what do you like? Do you like the crunchy chocolate chip cookie or the software?

[Rich Eisen]

By the way, we bring this up for two reasons. It's National Drink Wine Day, and LeBron James superstar says he gave up chocolate chip cookies and wine to prepare for the season.

[Danny G]

Three reasons. You were raised Catholic.

[Rich Eisen]

That's right, I was. And yeah, Lent has begun. Maybe you got to sacrifice some things Creed style. And the Lakers did express that they would bring LeBron back for one more year, right? Danny G. Does that get you excited?

[Danny G]

Yeah.

[Rich Eisen]

You even want that said?

[Danny G]

If both sides are cool, they're cool.

[Rich Eisen]

One more year for the farewell tour. I think we sort of.

[Covino]

Didn't we sort of bury the lead there. We talk about. I mean, I didn't hear that. You know what? You know, there's some nights where you fall asleep early and you miss something.

[Rich Eisen]

Well, yeah. I mean, you can't catch everything. I know. We want to. And once in a while, you do miss a little something. Something's going under the radar.

[Covino]

I call it the coma theory. There are times where someone. Everyone's talking about something. I'm like, I'm sorry, what are you guys talking about?

[Rich Eisen]

What do you. We buried the lead, though. I thought the lead was he gave up chocolate chip cookies.

[Covino]

No, I agree. But I did. I didn't hear that. Open to coming back to the Lakers. I thought it was pretty inevitable that it was Cleveland, maybe Golden State, somewhere else. I believe in no way in the world does LeBron walk away. He's doing one more year. It's just a matter of where. I didn't think the Lakers were going to be an option.

[Danny G]

Well, remember, Rich, it was all rumors. None of it came from either LeBron or the Lakers.

[Rich Eisen]

That's the thing, man. And everybody bites on this stuff. Meanwhile, well, you know, the plan is probably to come back.

[Covino]

You know what? I looked at it this way. You know, in the NFL, the owner of the Browns described Deshaun Watson as a mistake. And you're like, well, that means it's sort of over there. When Jeannie Bus. And it came out that she and Lakers front office folks felt disrespected and were sort of over LeBron. Didn't that feel like the writing on the wall for you? Now we're going to do a farewell tour. Well, you know what?

[Rich Eisen]

Those fires could be put out easy, too, though. I think people love the drama and their head, their name in the headlines. Because LeBron could have easily said, like, hey, listen, everything's good.

[Covino]

We cool?

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah.

[Danny G]

And it's not up to the Buss family anymore. It's up to the new group, which everybody thinks they're going to go on a little bit of a spending spree this upcoming offseason.

[Rich Eisen]

And on the flip side, yeah, because that would be an amazing farewell to go out on top and they got to put something behind it, or they.

[Danny G]

Could just be saying the right thing or.

[Rich Eisen]

Or that. So, yeah, on the flip side, Rich doesn't mean it's going to happen, but what they said is they're open and hoping they could bring him back for one more year. But like Danny G. Said, all sides have to agree on that. So that's not official by any means, but it seems like they're working towards that. So, LeBron James in the news, and.

[Danny G]

It was Wind Horse. I'm sorry to interrupt. Covid, I was going to remind you, it was Wind Horse who reported that the Lakers would need him to rework his contract, remember? And that's kind of when that whole.

[Covino]

Story, you know, spiraled. I have a question, Danny G. I know later on we're going to talk about baseball. Tony Clark and how baseball. I want to talk about the salary cap as well, because if we're. If we're headed towards owners and players and, you know, baseball's popping right now. This is not the time for baseball to misstep. Like the wnba, where I'm like, you got. You ladies have to play like. Like, momentum's on your side plays, you know, like, we're going to talk baseball. But with there being a cap in the way the NBA is structured, if LeBron James really wanted to go out on top and really wanted to bookend his career somewhere, whether it's Cleveland or stay with the Lakers, and really have one more really good run, the guy is a billionaire. And I know it's easy for me as a regular dude to be like, give up the money, LeBron. But when the guy could do anything, merchandising, different businesses, companies, you know, in the media, he's an LA guy. He's got his finger in a million different investments. You don't think LeBron could be like, yo, what if I took the League minimum. And we added another huge piece and I go out of champion. Isn't there more value in that?

[Rich Eisen]

Already giving up chocolate chip cookies and wine? What more do you.

[Covino]

No, I'm sorry, you're right.

[Rich Eisen]

What more do you want from me?

[Covino]

Chocolate chip cookies, wine and money.

[Rich Eisen]

I mean, what you're saying makes complete sense.

[Danny G]

Yeah, but it ain't gonna happen. He and his agent aren't gonna do this. No, I know the simple reason is LeBron has been stacking these millions of dollars because his end game to own a team, own an NBA team and probably in Vegas.

[Rich Eisen]

And then you could hear me be a cool story. If he went out on top, you could hear.

[Covino]

I've heard people say, what if LeBron goes out with the team he ends up owning? Like, then there's a story there. But what team is that? If it's a new team, we don't have time to wait for that. Right?

[Danny G]

That's as plausible as Tom Brady suiting up to play quarterback for the Raiders.

[Covino]

But. But there is, isn't there part of you, and I know such an easy thing for a simpleton like me to say, but if you're LeBron James and you want to win number five, right. You want to win number five, you win five, you're tied with Kobe, Tim Duncan and so many others. Right? Is it Magic has five, too?

[Rich Eisen]

I think so, yeah.

[Covino]

If you want five and you and it takes you to that next level and man, that would be pretty sweet. Right? You're telling me that LeBron can't sacrifice one year of NBA money and find a way to make money some other way? This guy's a billionaire. I feel this way a lot about people in big power positions. I get it. I'm not saying we should live in a socialist society where LeBron makes the same as some schlub, but if you really do want to win, imagine LeBron freed up that money and they're like, nah, now we could bring in another star. So it could be LeBron Luca and another like top tier guy.

[Danny G]

Well, I think the Lakers new ownership can still make things happen because of their deep pockets. Obviously they have to worry about what's going on with the league and the money spent. But back up for a second. Magic Johnson, 1980, 82, 85, 87, 88 rings.

[Covino]

So I'm saying if you want to match that five, I'm not saying build a super team, but what would like it. Just like we're going to talk later about Mahomes. He's taking a little Less money. They're restructuring so that the Chiefs could revamp. If you want to win, does it look like Tom Brady's doing okay now? Danny G. You look at Tom Brady and say, if he's doing all right.

[Danny G]

Yeah.

[Covino]

You know, the guy that took less money than he really could have as a quarterback every year to have a great team around them, sort of seems like Tom Brady's doing just fine.

[Rich Eisen]

Just fine.

[Covino]

I'm not saying.

[Rich Eisen]

And he proved that it works.

[Covino]

I'm not saying LeBron should. Should take $2 million a year, but does LeBron need to take, I don't know, $62 million a year?

[Danny G]

I was looking at the current NBA salary cap. It's at 154.647 million per team right now.

[Covino]

Saying LeBron could help manufacture a winner if I wanted to get generous.

[Rich Eisen]

It's a take less now for more later sort of situation. Because going out with five, I think is better business and better for his legacy to go out on top. But again, there's no guarantee. At least go for it.

[Covino]

I think it's the investment in his future, whether it's an owner or just his legacy.

[Rich Eisen]

I think he'd make that up plenty just by having that fifth championship.

[Covino]

If he went out on top, I think there's just so much value of him walking away a winner or even on a really winning team. You know, when people invest in things and you're like, that's a lot of money, but it makes sense. I heard someone criticize the Kardashians because they spend millions of dollars a year on their looks and treatments, and it's like, yeah, but that's their brand. And when you hear athletes spend millions a year on trainers and health, this.

[Rich Eisen]

Helps his brand and his legacy.

[Covino]

How many more years do some players play because they have the right trainers and dietitians and chefs and everything that's part of building your own brand and nurturing your product? I don't know. That's my thought, though.

[Rich Eisen]

I agree with you, man.

[Covino]

I think LeBron James is in a position where, if he really wanted to be ridiculously selfless and say, let's build a team around me, I'll take 10 mil. I make money from 10 to 20 other things going on. Let's win an NBA title. That's. That's the LeBron final year blueprint, if you ask me. But what do I know? All right, Kavino and Rich, your thoughts? You want to say what's up to Orlando, Danny G. Or what? Who's online? One.

[Danny G]

There yeah, it's Mark. And actually I was waiting because he just had a compliment. So I was like, yeah, I mean that's nice and everything but I don't want your guys's heads to get any bigger.

[Rich Eisen]

And by the way, I don't, I don't trust it anyway.

[Danny G]

So you think that was his entry.

[Covino]

On I want to compliment the guys. Camino, you suck.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah, exactly. I don't want to get bamboozled like, oh, how nice. Who is he?

[Covino]

Hey, that's Orlando. Hi, Mark in Orlando. Hey, Mark.

[Rich Eisen]

Hey, what's going on fellas?

[Covino]

What's up bro?

[Rich Eisen]

Hey. Three things. Number one. Okay.

[Danny G]

I've always listened to DP and what they would say, fill in for dp. I would hang up my phone. But you guys keep me on.

[Covino]

That's the best compliment.

[Rich Eisen]

Appreciate it. I'm waiting.

[Covino]

That's one. Number two. Number two is just kidding. You suck.

[Rich Eisen]

You guys rock. Thank you. Number two.

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Danny G]

I've been in Florida 35 years but.

[Rich Eisen]

I'm hardcore Detroit fan. Every way upside down, in between, diagonal.

[Danny G]

However you want to push it.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah.

[Danny G]

What's your, what's your guys take on Detroit sports scene?

[Covino]

Detroit sports scene. I think you're starting rotation.

[Rich Eisen]

They're one of the greatest cities in the world.

[Danny G]

Let's talk Cade Cunningham.

[Covino]

Well, let me tell you, I'm thinking Tigers right now. I was going to say you have three things going on.

[Rich Eisen]

You got Verlander back.

[Covino]

Yeah. You're an Orlando guy. But Detroit, you got three things going on that you should be excited about. Kate Cunningham. And the, and the Pistons are like under the radar awesome just because they, you know, the NBA, it's mid season of the NBA, no one's paying that much attention.

[Rich Eisen]

But the Pistons are a mid season.

[Covino]

The Pistons are a top tier team. Yeah. I think the Lions bounce back in a big way next year. I just think, I just think without Ben Johnson. Sam, I'll give you credit. I was saying from the beginning was like something's off without Ben Johnson. They need to figure out the offense. They're still good. They'll be fine next year I think. And I think the Detroit Tigers, while you were toying around with Scubal and he's not staying long term but as long as you have him, if you have Scubal Valdez and you know Verlander is going to try to finish strong, he's, he's going to really give it his all, they might have the best starting rotation in the American League.

[Rich Eisen]

That's great veteran presence in the rotation. So I'd be pumped about that.

[Covino]

So there you go. And you know what? That's the key. He just said, usually when I hear Phil and I hate it, but I love you guys. That's why we fill in for Dan Patrick to win you guys over one by one. So thank you.

[Rich Eisen]

Oh, yeah. And number three, Cavino rules. Hey, thank you, man. Yeah, that was. That was number three, right.

[Danny G]

Now, look, we gotta go. We ran out of time.

[Covino]

All right, we got more next. Your whole family's going down, o'. Doyle. We got more coming on. Rich in for Dan Patrick next.

[Rich Eisen]

Fox Sports Radio has the best sports talk lineup in the nation. Catch all of our [e-mail] and within the iHeartRadio app. Search FSR to listen live.

[Narrator/Promoter]

What if mind control is real?

[Rich Eisen]

If you could control the behavior of anybody around you, what kind of life would you have?

[Narrator/Promoter]

Can you hypnotically persuade someone to buy a car?

[Danny G]

When you look at your car, you're gonna become overwhelmed with such good feelings.

[Narrator/Promoter]

Can you hypnotize someone into sleeping with you?

[Rich Eisen]

I gave her some suggestions to be sexually aroused.

[Narrator/Promoter]

Can you get someone to join your culture? NLP was used on me to access my subconscious. Nlp, AKA Neuro linguistic programming, is a blend of hypnosis, linguistics, and psychology. Fans say it's like finally getting a user manual for your brain.

[Covino]

It's about engineering consciousness.

[Narrator/Promoter]

Mind Games is the story of nlp, its crazy cast of disciples, and the fake doctor who invented it at a new age commune and sold it to guys and in suits. He stood trial for murder and got acquitted. The biggest mind game of all, nlp, might actually work. This is wild. Listen to Mind Games on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Rich Eisen]

I'm Bowen Yang.

[Covino]

And I'm Matt Rogers.

[Rich Eisen]

During this season of the Two Guys Five Rings podcast, in the lead up to The Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, we've been joined by by some of our friends.

[Covino]

Hi, Boen. Hi, Matt. Hey, Elmo.

[Rich Eisen]

Hey, Matt.

[Danny G]

Hey, Bowen.

[Rich Eisen]

Hi, Cookie. Hi.

[Covino]

Now the Winter Olympic Games are underway and we are in Italy to give you experiences from our hearts to your ears. Listen to Two Guys Five Rings on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. China's Ministry of State Security is one.

[Rich Eisen]

Of the most mysterious and powerful spy.

[Covino]

Agencies in the world.

[Rich Eisen]

But in in 2017, the FBI got inside.

[Covino]

This is Special Agent Regal. Special Agent Bradley Hall.

[Rich Eisen]

This MSS officer has no idea the US Government is onto him. But the FBI has his chats, texts, emails, even his personal diary. Hear how they got it on the Sixth Bureau podcast?

[Covino]

I now have several terabytes of an MSS officer. No doubt, no question of his life. And that's a unicorn.

[Rich Eisen]

No one had ever seen anything like that. It was unbelievable.

[Covino]

This is a story of the inner workings of the MSS and how one.

[Rich Eisen]

Man'S ambition and mistakes opened its vault of secrets. Listen to the 6th Bureau on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey everyone, it's Emily Simpson and Shane Simpson from the Legally Brunette podcast. Each week we're bringing you true crime through a legal lens. Whether you want all the facts on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie or you.

[Narrator/Promoter]

Still need to wrap your head around.

[Rich Eisen]

The Diddy verdict, we're breaking it all down step by step. And we're not just lawyers, we're also husband and wife. It makes for some pretty entertaining episodes. Listen to Legally brunette on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Narrator/Promoter]

On June 11, 1998, a deputy from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department went missing. It's an all out manhunt for John Awjay. Every search and rescue team in LA county has been called in to help. Within days, tips started flooding into the sheriff's department. The rumor around the drug scene was that a deputy was taken care of. Is this the story of a man.

[Rich Eisen]

Who just got lost in the desert?

[Narrator/Promoter]

Or of a cover up inside the nation's largest sheriff's department?

[Rich Eisen]

A homicide captain saying, detective, do not find out if this guy's guilty or innocent. Who does that?

[Narrator/Promoter]

Valley of Shadows, a new series from Pushkin Industries about crime and corruption in California's high desert. Do you have any advice for us.

[Covino]

While looking into this disappearance?

[Rich Eisen]

I wouldn't do it alone. Listen to Valley of shadows on the.

[Narrator/Promoter]

Iheartradio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Covino]

Two things I love very much.

[Rich Eisen]

What?

[Covino]

Red wine and chocolate chip cookies, LeBron style?

[Rich Eisen]

No, it's two things I very love.

[Covino]

Two things I very love.

[Rich Eisen]

It's like that old saying, Rich, don't job your love, love your job. Or what was it?

[Covino]

Yeah, that was it.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah, that was it.

[Covino]

Oh boy.

[Rich Eisen]

No, don't love your job. Job your love. That's what it was.

[Covino]

It's Wednesday, Ash Wednesday here at cnr, so you'll see a bunch of people at work today. Don't try to clean off their head. That's ashes. Don't pull. Don't pull. An Oprah with Drew Brees scar. Let me wipe that off his birthmark. Grandma.

[Rich Eisen]

Get away from me. So I'm Cavino. That is Rich. We're in for Dan Patrick, Iowa. Sam, our sound architect, playing some UB40. We got Danny G super producing on the phones at 87799 on Fox. We gotta talk some. If we have time. I wanna talk mlb, wbc, because that starts next month. Tony Clark is a big story.

[Covino]

There's baseball drama. By the way, if you. If you are partaking in Ash Wednesday, hopefully the priest who administers your ashes is neat. I was raised Catholic. Right.

[Rich Eisen]

Hopefully he washes his hands and you.

[Covino]

See people going around town with the ashes on their head.

[Rich Eisen]

Right.

[Covino]

Doing their religious thing. Some people messier than others. Some don't. You feel like there's some priests that take their time with a little. Little.

[Rich Eisen]

Can I be honest?

[Covino]

And then there's some people I commend.

[Rich Eisen]

Anybody going to get their ashes. I do. Right. I grew up Catholic like Danny G said.

[Covino]

But there's a part of me that feels like it's like the people that back into a parking spot.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah. What do you think you're better than me? Because I didn't have time.

[Covino]

But he think you're better.

[Rich Eisen]

I think you're better than me.

[Danny G]

Oh, it's the people who wear the I voted sticker.

[Rich Eisen]

Oh, it's the same feeling. It's the same feeling, Sam. You think you're better than me and.

[Covino]

You can say that because you were raised Catholic.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah. I backed into a parking sp spot.

[Covino]

While wearing the I voted sticker.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah. Because with ashes on your head. If you didn't have time and then. And I'm sure that's just an excuse. I get it. We can make time like you do. It makes you feel bad. So I. I resent people that walk around all proud with their asses.

[Covino]

You're absolutely right. There's a good chance if you're backing into your parking spot, you have an I voted sticker and ashes on your head. Because you're just the greatest guy.

[Rich Eisen]

Thank you. Better than me, man. What do you think?

[Covino]

You.

[Danny G]

And you put your grocery cart back.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah.

[Covino]

Everyone should do that.

[Rich Eisen]

Everybody should. But what do you think you're better than me?

[Covino]

I don't think there's an excuse to not ever put your grocery cart back.

[Rich Eisen]

I agree.

[Covino]

Did you see that guy?

[Danny G]

What if it's raining and the grocery cart lineup is all the way on the other side of the park?

[Covino]

It's a Test of character, Danny, have you seen those guys?

[Danny G]

And you got a toddler screaming in the car.

[Covino]

Have you seen those guys on TikTok or Instagram?

[Rich Eisen]

Very specific example, Danny G. Danny G's like, it happened. It happened yesterday.

[Covino]

It happened two days ago at Pavilions.

[Rich Eisen]

It's been raining here for three days.

[Danny G]

I bunny hopped it up onto a curb. It couldn't move.

[Rich Eisen]

Okay, well, let's.

[Covino]

You see those guys on social media that are like, they're. They look at. They look for justice with shopping carts. You ever see those dudes?

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah, of course.

[Covino]

If that person got in your face, what would you do? Because I see those people all the time.

[Rich Eisen]

The people laughing about it. Maybe depending on my mood, I'm a moody guy.

[Covino]

You're right. My bad.

[Danny G]

I'd run them over with my grocery cart.

[Rich Eisen]

It. It just. Just depends the mood I'm in and who was squeezing my shoes that day. Anyway, we are live streaming live on YouTube. Covino Enrich FSR at Covino Enrich FSR in fact, which we got to pull up the live chat because people start chopping it up back and forth, talking smack. So join the live chat. Speak your mind there if you don't feel like calling. And if you miss anything, this is day three of the Dan Patrick Hatrick for us. If you miss anything, catch the podcast. Danny G. Puts a condensed version the best of every day wherever you stream your podcast. Search Covino Enrich. Follow rate and review. 5 stars. Because anything less uncivilized, we appreciate it.

[Covino]

Tony Clark.

[Rich Eisen]

Tony Clark.

[Covino]

Yo, this guy's. He think he's Steven Seagal above the law. Is this guy out for justice? Is he?

[Rich Eisen]

I bet you Tony Clark doesn't put his shopping cart back.

[Covino]

He's under siege. All right, I'm done with the Seagal references. Tony Clark, Baseball. What's going on? We'll break it down. Give me the Cliff Notes next and we'll talk some NFL. A lot of fun here. Kavin on. Rich in for the great Dan Patrick Hangton.

[Mandy B]

Over the last couple years, didn't we learn that the folding chair was invented by black people because of what happened in Alabama? Montgomery brawl this Black History Month, the podcast Selective Ignorance with Mandy B unpacks black history and culture with comedy, clarity, and conversations that shake the status quo. The Crown act in New York was signed in July of 2019, and that is a bill that was passed to prohibit discrimination based on hairstyles associated with race. To hear this and more, listen to Selective Ignorance with Mandy B. From the Black Effect podcast. Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcast.

[Narrator/Promoter]

What if mind control is real?

[Rich Eisen]

If you could control the behavior of anybody around you, what kind of life would you have?

[Narrator/Promoter]

Can you hypnotically persuade someone to buy a car?

[Danny G]

When you look at your car, you're going to become overwhelmed with such good feelings.

[Narrator/Promoter]

Can you hypnotize someone into sleeping with you?

[Covino]

I gave her some suggestions to be sexually aroused.

[Narrator/Promoter]

Can you get someone to join your cult? NLP was used on me to access my subconscious mind games. A new podcast, exploring nlp, AKA Neuro linguistic Programming. Is it a self help miracle, a shady hypnosis scam? Or both? Listen to Mind Games on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Rich Eisen]

I'm Bowen Yang.

[Covino]

And I'm Matt Rogers.

[Rich Eisen]

During this season of the Two Guys Five Rings podcast, in the lead up to the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, we've been joined by some of our friends.

[Covino]

Hi, Bond. Hi, Matt. Hey, Elmo.

[Rich Eisen]

Hey, Matt.

[Danny G]

Hey Bowen.

[Rich Eisen]

Hi, Cookie. Hi.

[Covino]

Now the Winter Olympic Games are underway and we are in Italy to give you experiences from our hearts to your ears. Listen to Two Guys Five Rings on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Narrator/Promoter]

I'm Nancy Glass, host of the Burden of Guilt Season two podcast.

[Rich Eisen]

This is a story about a horrendous lie that destroyed two families.

[Narrator/Promoter]

Late one night, Bobby Gumprite became the victim of a random crime. The perpetrator was sentenced to 99 years.

[Rich Eisen]

Until a confession changed everything. I was a monster. Listen to Burden of guilt Season 2.

[Narrator/Promoter]

On the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an iHeart podcast.

[Rich Eisen]

Guaranteed Human.